If your wisdom teeth are impacted, thereby preventing adequate oral hygiene, it's often best to have them removed. Teeth that erupt in an upright and functional position often don't need to be removed, Dr. Janowicz says, as long as they cause no pain and aren't associated with decay or gum disease.

Why experts now say not to remove your wisdom teeth?

For years, wisdom tooth removal has been a fairly common practice, as many dental experts advise taking them out before they cause problems. But now some dentists don't recommend it because of the risks involved with anesthesia and surgery and the cost of the procedure.

Why you should keep your wisdom teeth?

The reason you need to keep wisdom teeth clean is that the cavities and gum disease you could develop there will spread. By allowing cavities and gum disease to grow on your wisdom teeth, you are putting your other teeth, which you do not want to remove, at risk.